Mental Health in the Workplace: Let’s Talk About It!

Let’s talk about mental health at work!

Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk, staring at your screen, and your mind feels like a tangled mess of thoughts and emotions. Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. In fact, with at least one in four of us experiencing a mental health issue at some point, chances are that the person next to you, pretending to be productive, has probably been through something similar.

We all have those days when we feel overwhelmed, stressed out and anxious at work. But what happens when those feelings start to impact our mental well-being? Whilst we’re all quick to freely share memes, talk about our weekend plans and gossip about the latest Netflix series with our colleagues, when it comes to our mental health, it’s like we’ve entered a “no-go” zone. We’d rather suffer in silence.

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re diving into the oh-so-important topic of mental health in the workplace. Why? Because our mental well-being matters just as much as that never-ending pile of emails or the fancy new coffee machine in the break room. 

Break the silence, break the stigma

It’s the elephant in the room. There’s this weird stigma surrounding mental health that can make it feel like an unspeakable topic. It’s time we shattered that stigma! Mental health is not something to be ashamed of; it’s something to be acknowledged and supported. We’re all human beings with feelings and emotions. So, let’s embrace the power of conversation and encourage others to do the same: you’ll be amazed at how many of your colleagues relate to and appreciate your honesty. 

Super self-care

Taking care of your mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity. Whilst you can’t run a bubble bath and light a scented candle at work, you can take small steps to prioritise your mental wellbeing throughout the day. Give yourself permission to take small breaks, stretch your legs and take a deep breath. And don’t forget to find joy in the little things – a funny YouTube video, a cute kitten meme, or a quick chat with your favourite co-worker can do wonders for your mood.

Burnout be gone

We live in a society that glorifies hustle and burnout, but it’s definitely not a badge of honour. Working yourself to the point of exhaustion is not a recipe for success. It’s a recipe for disaster. Setting boundaries and sticking to them is important. Learn to say no when your plate is already overflowing. Delegate tasks when possible and ask for help when you need it. Remember: you’re not a superhero and it’s okay to ask for support. 

Celebrate small victories

In the busy bustle of the workplace, we can often forget to celebrate the small victories – and those little wins matter. Did you meet a deadline? Celebrate it! Did you learn a new skill? Give yourself a pat on the back! Recognise and appreciate all of your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. And don’t forget to spread the love by acknowledging and celebrating the success of your co-workers. Together, you can create a positive and uplifting work environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Seek support when needed

Sometimes, self-care alone may not be enough, and that’s perfectly okay. Just as we seek medical help for physical ailments, seeking professional help for our mental health is equally important. Remember, you don’t have to face your mental health challenges alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, reach out to a trusted friend, family member or colleague. Opening up about your struggles can be difficult, but it can also be incredibly liberating.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Mental health professionals are trained to provide the necessary support and guidance to help you overcome challenges and improve your well-being. They can offer coping strategies, personalised advice and therapeutic interventions that can make a significant different in your mental health.

In a world where we spend a significant portion of our lives at work, it’s crucial that we prioritise our mental health in the workplace. By breaking the silence, practicing self-care, avoiding burnout, celebrating victories, and seeking support, we can create an environment in which we are values our own mental health and well-being.